‘Chuy’ Garcia endorses former rival Brandon Johnson for mayor, aiming to contain progressive vote for Paul Ballas

U.S. Representative Jesus “Chuy” Garcia endorsed Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on Friday, giving him a chance to boost the Cook County Commissioner in the April 4 election.

This endorsement follows Garcia’s disappointing mayoral election, which entered the race as the front-runner but finished fourth in the first round of voting on February 28.

As a candidate, Garcia has often talked about recreating the 1983 multi-ethnic coalition that led Harold Washington to the mayoral office. Face off against former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Ballas.

Now, two former rivals seek to reunite to strengthen their progressive movement and prevent Vallas from taking the top job at City Hall.

Speaking at a church in Little Village, Garcia talked about the history of political coalitions in Chicago and the importance of uniting black and brown residents in the mayoral race.

“The choice is clear. Chicago is a city of strong public schools, thriving neighborhoods and progressive values,” Garcia said. “Through this lens, I believe Brandon Johnson is the right choice. Why am I endorsing him for mayor?

Johnson praised Garcia for his long history as a progressive and returned the tribute.

“Every time this city needed a leader and a champion, Chuy Garcia was there,” he said.

It remains to be seen how much Garcia’s support will boost Johnson. In addition to losing his own race on election night, Garcia faced setbacks in the 25th district where Aldo was.

Despite the loss, Garcia remained one of the city’s most prominent politicians, and his support extended to Johnson’s lakeside presence among Latinos and white liberals on the Southwest Side. may help you to

Meanwhile, the Chicago Workers’ District Council supported Vallas. Workers are a powerful union and have provided generous financial support to the candidates they support. The endorsement highlights the ongoing division between public bodies and labor unions that support Johnson and Ballas respectively.